Tamukkam Palace, Summer palace in Madurai, India
Tamukkam Palace is a summer residence in Madurai that combines South Indian architectural features with spacious halls and detailed stone carving work. The building includes large courtyards that were designed to provide cool and open spaces for daily use.
The palace was built around 1670 and originally served as a summer home for Queen Regent Rani Mangammal of the Madurai Nayak kingdom. The structure later fell under British rule during the colonial period.
The palace now houses the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, which displays items and records related to India's independence movement. Visitors can see how this royal space has become a place for learning about the nation's modern history.
The grounds include Tamukkam Maidanam, a large open space used for public gatherings and events throughout the year. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and can expect to spend time walking across both indoor and outdoor areas.
The name Tamukkam comes from Tamil language and means summer house, reflecting its original purpose as a cool retreat for the royal family. This local naming choice shows how Tamil culture was woven into the building's identity from the start.
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